Why Boys & Girls Club?

For more than 100 years, Boys and Girls Clubs in communities across Canada have been helping young people to discover, develop and achieve their best potential as they grow to become Canada’s future adults, citizens and leaders, by engaging them in activities that challenge and help them develop healthy minds and bodies.

Who Are We?

The Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Vancouver Island is Vancouver Island’s largest childcare provider and is trusted by more parents and caregivers than any other childcare provider.

The BGCCVI is a registered Non-Profit organization and charitable organization that incorporated in 1971. The Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Vancouver Island serves over 1000 children, youth and families in Comox, Courtenay, Lantzville, Nanaimo, and Ladysmith through 15 types of programs in 13 different club locations.

Experts in Play

Belonging to a Boys and Girls Club is often a life-changing experience. Children can build healthy, supportive relationships with caring adult role models, which in turn can positively influence the life path they choose. Clubs also encourage healthy, respectful relationships with peers and family members.

Each Club has trained, passionate, dedicated staff. The staff members build self-esteem by empowering participants to help shape programs and share their ideas. Through these opportunities,children and youth are given the chance to develop life and leadership skills and learn how to contribute to Clubs and their communities.

Staff provide children and youth with daily Learning and Skills Development through BGCCVI Core Programming:

Physical Activity

Nutrition

Nature

Education Support

Financial Literacy

Social and Life Skills

Creative Arts

Cultural Diversity

Leadership Development and Entrepreneurship

The Core Programming helps prepare children and youth for life by helping them to discover and develop their abilities and skills, building confidence and competence along the way.

Thanks to President’s Choice Children’s Charity for their support of BGCCVI’s nutrition programs.

Affordable, Accessible and Reliable

Clubs provide families with regularly available, structured, supervised services. Programs are offered primarily during the after-school hours when studies have shown that young people are most vulnerable to victimization and being drawn into anti-social behaviours. Each club provide daily snacks, and connection to other supports for children, youth and families in need. Club fees are affordable and are subsidized for qualifying families.

Clubs are open to all regardless of race, religion, social or economic status. Wherever possible, Clubs offer accessible buildings for those who are disabled.

BGC Canada Core Values

In our work with children, youth, families and communities, all Boys and Girls Clubs are guided by the following Core Values. These Core Values are the standard by which all Boys and Girls Club services are measured.

Belonging

We welcome everyone in a safe, accepting environment based on belonging and positive relationships.

Respect

Encouragement and Support

We encourage and support every child and youth to play, learn and grow to achieve their dreams.

Working Together

We work together with young people, families, volunteers, our communities and government.

Speaking Out

We speak out for children, youth and families so that we can make our world better.

Featured Staff Member

Michelle Janes

My name is Michelle Janes and I attended the Chase River Boy’s and Girl’s Club starting at the age of 4. Throughout my elementary school years the Boys and Girls Club helped me to gain more self-confidence as well as friendship and support that has lasted longer than I could have ever imagined. …

My Future Started Here

Jesse Wilson

My name is Jesse Wilson and I have been a part of the Boys and Girls Club for over 12 years and over these years it has been a great pleasure to have been a part of this organization.
I started off at the Ladysmith Club in the After School Care Program when I was six then, upon moving to Nanaimo, joined the Fifth Street Club. When I was a kid, I was a bit awkward and had a hard time making friends, however the leaders were a big help and I looked up to a lot of them…

About BGCCVI

For more than 100 years, Boys and Girls Clubs across Canada have been helping young people to discover, develop and achieve their best potential as they grow to become Canada's future adults, citizens and leaders, by engaging them in activities that challenge them, and help them develop healthy minds and bodies. The Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Vancouver Island provides childcare, daycare, summer camps, teen and youth programs, family programs and parenting programs where children and youth can experience new opportunities, overcome barriers, build positive relationships and develop the confidence and skills for life.